When the Appalachian Vipers were in shambles after the New York Alliance Civil War, the group responsible for their demise, Cicada, offered to help move the group and share territory in California, in exchange for paying off moving debt and imposing a monthly tax 15% of profits made in the shared territory.

The Titans, however, were in the way of this plan. Currently paying 10% of California profits to Cicada, the group accepted the Viper's better offer, and war was waged.